>>>>>>On another note, it would be nice if the extreme political rhetoric would stop, but not likely :o(
>>>>>
>>>>>Not likely at all considering how well it works.
>>>>There is always room for discussion, heated or otherwise.
>>>
>>>That's the thing that gets me. It all seems heated now. Naive me really believed Obama could bring us together. I thought he was going to be the great conciliator of our time. On this site I am viewed as a liberal but actually I am not, not much. I would just like them to get something done instead of endlessly fighting wars with each other.
>>
>>Clearly apart from such happenings, I distrust all-too-discussionless government much more.
>>The way EU central bank buying certain papers was rammed down in clear violation of all those rules
>>guarding the independance of the central bank was dishartening. Also every time the government
>>gets a setback at collecting personal data a worse law is pushed forward.
>>
>>Be glad for the devil you have (again not talking about the shooting)
>>
>
>I know there is resentment in Germany at supporting poorer neighbors.

At least speaking partly for myself - west germany paid and pays lots of money to integrate east germany.
And there is a difference in helping out a strain of bad luck or covering for forged balances.
Also IMHO there was not enough pain/bloodletting involved for the banks back in 08 -
they are again dancing to the same tune, some even more as they believe in more bailouts.
And again - the way it was pushed through makes me wonder. It was not Fuehrer-obedience,
but totally back chamber politicians believing they know best.
The independant streak of distrust in government is more lacking everywhere compared to US.

>The EU is still a good thing IMO. Nothing personal, but you guys came goosestepping out of the Black Forest twice in 30 years and have been forgiven. It's a good union despite your many differences.

no doubt common market is a good thing. Re black forest: wars were more common back then -
the german leaders were dumb enough to twice fill the role of one against all previously occupied by France.

For me the restraint and tolerance (for those times) first accepting lots of immigrants and
then after Pearl Harbour in the treatment of those "enemy-near" parts of their own population
is/was the better role model in those days even if unthinkable for todays moral benchmark.

regards

thomas